CABIN and Indigenous Language Preservation

CABIN and Indigenous Language Preservation

Indigenous Knowledge and culture in Canada, includes a way of life rich with songs, stories, ceremonies, values, beliefs and languages. Indigenous languages are used to pass on this way of life, knowledge and experience to future generations. In Canada, most aboriginal languages are critically endangered. Language preservation and revitalization projects recognize the urgency to find ways to support the knowledge and languages before they pass, with the Elders who hold and teach this knowledge.

Many songs, stories, beliefs and values are attached to names of water bodies within aboriginal culture. By including the traditional place names within the CABIN protocol, the opportunity for language preservation, reciprocal teachings and symbiotic relationship building between cultures and generations becomes implementable for shared watershed stewardship.

Living Lakes Canada’s Cross Cultural Connections Pilot Project trains First Nation community members in the CABIN water quality monitoring protocol, and uses

the protocol as a tool to engage in a collaborative water monitoring, language preservation project.

CABIN training will provide community members with the data to inform land-use decisions, supporting the communities’ deep connections to the land and water and supplementing pre-existing indigenous laws.